Karren Brady backed after she was accused of ‘bullying’ two contestants to tears on The Apprentice

Two contestants brought to tears on The Apprentice were “not up to the job,” friends of Baroness Karren Brady said.

The TV star – one of Lord Alan Sugar’s “advisers” on the reality business show – was attacked after two hopefuls cried during the round of interviews on last Thursday’s episode.

Meanwhile, the West Ham United chief executive was so upset with another contestant for using her first name that she replied: “For you it’s Baroness Brady, my friends call me Karen.”

One Twitter user said: “New low for the apprentice. Bullies young girls who want to open candy stores. Shudder.’

Another wrote: “The Apprentice is the worst of all reality shows because that’s all it is now. Exploitative, manipulative and basically bullying.’ Elsewhere, the episode has been described as “borderline bullying by a bunch of ancient dinosaurs.”

Karren Brady – one of Lord Alan Sugar’s “advisors” on the reality business show – was attacked after two hopefuls cried during the round of interviews on last Thursday’s episode

But friends of Ms Brady jumped to her defense yesterday, saying: “It’s not Karen’s fault, you have to be tough to be in business and not have the snowflake qualities that so many young people have these days.”

Another said: “They just weren’t up to the job.”

A BBC spokesman also supported Ms Brady, 53, who has been a businesswoman since she was 19.

He said: “The interview round is more than just a normal interview.

“Their purpose is to help determine whose business plan has the potential to secure Lord Sugar’s £250,000 investment.

“Therefore, every detail has to be carefully considered and consultants sometimes have to ask difficult questions. The stakes are high for the candidates and emotions run high as they aim to secure a place in the final.”

Sources close to The Apprentice insisted they take the welfare of everyone involved in the program seriously – pointing out there is a dedicated welfare team to support candidates at all stages of the process.